Welcome to Book Club!
In chapter 8 Becky discusses those seasons in life that feel as though they will drag on forever. It might be a situation that you feel will never change. Perhaps you have no idea how to change the situation. Maybe you are so overwhelmed by your circumstances that you feel trapped and the only way to move forward is to feel your way through the dark.
Sometimes these are situations that we thought we would be able to tackle, we thought we were prepared for it. Sometimes we even got a practise run first. But once we are knee deep in we realise just how different or difficult the reality is compared to our expectations. When I was pregnant with our first child, I read numerous books about breastfeeding, sleep, routines etc. I went along to breastfeeding classes, in addition to the birthing classes run by the hospital. I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew what to expect. But in reality no amount of holding a doll across your chest prepares you for cracked nipples. No amount of knowledge of how to care for an infant prepares you for the flood of hormones that take over your mind and body. I had postnatal depression. My knowledge of mental health certainly helped me to recognise what was happening and to seek help quickly. But no amount of knowledge prepared me for the reality of motherhood.
Becky illustrates the hopelessness and fear that may overwhelm us when we are in these difficult situations. Some circumstances are so overwhelming that everything else seems insignificant. Sometimes we feel invisible and alone. When we can't see what's in front of us, we feel trapped, and sometimes we just want to sit there and wait to be rescued.
Becky urges us to believe that we won't remain stuck in these hard places, and she suggests that the first step forward is to call out to God. Becky explains that just as we rush to our children's side when they call out "MUMMA!", God will show up when we call out to him because He loves us just as we love our children, if not more. God doesn't always remove us from the situation we are in, but he can replace our fear with peace despite the challenging circumstances we face. Focusing on the goodness and faithfulness of God, and reminding ourselves of all that He has already done, helps to strengthen our faith and remind us that if He came through before, He can do it again.
Sometimes these are situations that we thought we would be able to tackle, we thought we were prepared for it. Sometimes we even got a practise run first. But once we are knee deep in we realise just how different or difficult the reality is compared to our expectations. When I was pregnant with our first child, I read numerous books about breastfeeding, sleep, routines etc. I went along to breastfeeding classes, in addition to the birthing classes run by the hospital. I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew what to expect. But in reality no amount of holding a doll across your chest prepares you for cracked nipples. No amount of knowledge of how to care for an infant prepares you for the flood of hormones that take over your mind and body. I had postnatal depression. My knowledge of mental health certainly helped me to recognise what was happening and to seek help quickly. But no amount of knowledge prepared me for the reality of motherhood.
Becky illustrates the hopelessness and fear that may overwhelm us when we are in these difficult situations. Some circumstances are so overwhelming that everything else seems insignificant. Sometimes we feel invisible and alone. When we can't see what's in front of us, we feel trapped, and sometimes we just want to sit there and wait to be rescued.
It won't always be like this. In a moment, God can change everything. He has done it before, and He will do it again - Becky Thompson.
Becky urges us to believe that we won't remain stuck in these hard places, and she suggests that the first step forward is to call out to God. Becky explains that just as we rush to our children's side when they call out "MUMMA!", God will show up when we call out to him because He loves us just as we love our children, if not more. God doesn't always remove us from the situation we are in, but he can replace our fear with peace despite the challenging circumstances we face. Focusing on the goodness and faithfulness of God, and reminding ourselves of all that He has already done, helps to strengthen our faith and remind us that if He came through before, He can do it again.
What did you take away from this chapter?
Nicki
We are currently reading through Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart by Becky Thompson. Pick up your copy today (I recommend you check out Booko to compare prices at various retailers)
We are currently reading through Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart by Becky Thompson. Pick up your copy today (I recommend you check out Booko to compare prices at various retailers)
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